Circulation

The functions of the Ohio Circulation Managers Association are now under the umbrella of the Ohio News Media Association. In June 2013, the ONMA’s board of trustees voted unanimously on a resolution to accept the remaining assets of the Ohio Circulation Managers Association, which was disbanding.

The resolution stated the ONMA’s intent to continue key activities of the OCMA, particularly its successful annual fall conference. A new ONMA committee, the ONMA Circulation Managers Committee, includes members of the most recent OCMA board.

Contact

To learn more about the activities of the ONMA Circulation Managers Committee contact:

History

The Ohio Circulation Managers Association was founded in 1917. With a suggestion from Edward Gans, associated with Editor and Publisher in New York, J. T. Kavanaugh of the Dayton News called a meeting for October 30, 1917, in Columbus, Ohio, to discuss the problems of newspaper circulation.

At that meeting, the Ohio Circulation Managers Association was organized with J. T. Kavanaugh being elected as president. Clem O’Rourke of the Dayton Journal-Herald was appointed to be responsible for entertainment. The first membership meeting was held April 2, 1918, at the Miami Hotel in Dayton, Ohio. Thirty newspapers were represented at the meeting.

Over the years, OCMA strengthened its membership to the point where most Ohio newspapers had at least one circulation executive as a member of the association. Many newspapers had multiple members participating. In addition to the regular membership, many newspaper-related suppliers joined as Associate Members.

A number of members acted as Secretary Treasurer since that first meeting. Those most recently doing so include the following: Worthy Gee, The Columbus Dispatch, 1967-1971; Norman Rathke, The Toledo Blade, 1972-1983; Walter Santel, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1984-1988; Fred Weber II, Athens Messenger, 1988-1994; Bill Bockwich, The Plain Dealer, 1995-2001; Brian Barker, 2001-2011; and Carol Huddleston, 2011-2013.

The first woman to be elected to the Board of Directors was Leslie Counts, Lorain Journal. Leslie was later elected as the first woman president of OCMA in 1988. In 1978, to add continuity to the Board of Directors, the by-laws were amended to include two past presidents on the board for two-year staggered terms. In 1982, OCMA was incorporated as a Tennessee Corporation. King, Bellow and Little (Mike Zinser) served as counsel. More recently in OCMA’s history, Zinser and Patterson served as legal counsel.

The Glenn L. Cox Carrier Achievement Awards program was established in 1952 to honor youth newspaper carriers throughout Ohio. Over the years a number of changes have been made to enhance the program. The program now recognizes carriers in three different age-related categories, which are Youth, Adult and Senior. An award program is held annually with the award presented at the fall circulation conference. The award was named for the founder of the program, Glenn L. Cox, former circulation director of the Dayton Daily News.

In 1982, the Board of Directors established the OCMA Presidential Award. OCMA members in good standing who have made a considerable contribution to the success and betterment of the association or who have made an outstanding contribution to the circulation profession may be nominated for the award. The selection committee is chaired by the immediate past president. The award is presented once in a calendar year, not necessarily annually. To date, nineteen individuals have received the award.

OCMA, in recent years, had established a variety of training programs for its members. Most popular programs were in the area of district manager training, customer service training and legal training conducted by Mike Zinser. The association was recognized to be a leader in the training area as well as one of the stronger circulation associations in the country in general.

The Ohio News Media Association continues key activities of the OCMA with the ONMA Circulation Managers Committee advising the Professional Development Committee on training.

In addition, most of the OCMA’s other activities are now part of the programming of the Ohio News Media Foundation, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization.

2014 Ohio Circulation District Manager Training Seminar

The 2014 Ohio Circulation District Manager training seminar was held on Wednesday, April 23 in Pickerington.

Outstanding Carriers

The Carrier of the Year Achievement Awards Program was established in 1952 to honor youth newspaper carriers throughout Ohio. Over the years, a number of changes have been made to enhance the program that is now known as the Ohio Newspaper Carrier of the Year Award. The program and annual awards banquet were originally named for the founder, Glenn L. Cox, former Circulation Manager of the Dayton Daily News.

About the Awards

Winners receive a cash award of $1000 and a plaque of recognition. Runners-ups receive a $500 cash award and a plaque. Newspapers with a winner or runner-up in this competition will also receive a plaque from ONA recognizing their carrier's accomplishments.

The selection process is based on a point system, which includes:

Route management: including CPM, increase of customer base, level of service

Personal, scholastic and community service

Supporting documents: such as letters of recommendation, photo, DM letter, other documents

2017 Winners

The 2017 Carrier of the Year Awards were presented at the 2018 ONMA Convention, which was held February 7 & 8 at the Columbus Hilton/Polaris.

Riley BorgerdingMarysville Journal-TribuneMarysville, OH2017 Youth Carrier of the Year

In the short time that Riley Bordgerding has been delivering the Journal-Tribune, she has made a large impression with her customers. Each and every day Riley delivers she goes above and beyond to make sure her 93 customers are well taken care of.

‘Reece’-ently, Riley stuffed the Thanksgiving edition with a 2 pack of Reece’s cups to show her appreciation for her customers. Not only did the subscribers appreciate the extra mile that Riley went, so did the Journal-Tribune with a front page story.

Cheryl Welty, Riley’s manager, says “Riley takes the extra effort to correspond with each customer” and “all of her efforts have been rewarded by the customers with a large amounts of tips”.

Julie HeldThe BladeToledo, OH2017 Adult Carrier of the Year

Our adult Carrier of the Year winner, Julie Held, has found that “a clean and dry newspaper delivered at a predictable time and place, is the key to keeping the subscribers happy.” With an attitude like Julie’s it goes to show that the doing little things and going the extra mile can make a lasting impact. As her DM, Bob Borer, has the honor and privilege to work with her during her 19 years delivering The Blade.

As a carrier, Julie finds it “ridiculous” to be able to get paid and do what she loves, driving the NW Ohio roads at night and listing to talk radio. Julie’s 230+ subscribers appreciate what she loves to do and the service that she provides them.

Freda EdwardsWilmington News-JournalWilmington, OH2017 Senior Carrier of the Year

One word can be used to describe the Senior Carrier of the Year award winner Freda Edwards, DEDICATED. For the past 40 years, Freda has been delivering newspapers for the News-Journal. In Wilmington. During her carrier, Freda has never missed a delivery day which includes working through illness’ and the dark days when her husband passed away. Freda explains her willingness to work, “you have a job to do and no one is going to do it for you, so you keep on going”. This mentality makes her a favorite amongst her fellow carriers and the staff of the News-Journal.

When Freda is not delivering to her 180+ subscribers, she spends her time baking cookies and other baked goods for her friends and the patients at the local nursing home she visits frequently. Freda’s manager, Dawn Gunkel says, “Freda is one of the kindest people that I know, and I believe if we had more people like her, the world would be a much better place”.

2016 Winners

The 2016 Carrier of the Year Awards were presented at the fall circulation conference, which was held October 2 and 3, 2016 at the Nationwide Conference Center in Columbus.

Jacob started with just 21 papers in the small village of Lucky, Ohio. Luckily for the customers he added two additional routes for a total of 64 customers. He states, “I like being a carrier because you get to meet people in the community that you normally never meet”.

In his three years of service, Jacob has only had one complaint. Hilda Reed, Carrier Supervisor states “during that time he has demonstrated his aptitude for “hands-on” customer service”. One of his customers expressed “Jacob is not just a carrier to me. He is a neighbor and a friend”.

A Senior at Eastwood High School, Jacob excels academically, has won awards as Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior for his participation in the choir. He was awarded the Linette Butler Quiz Bowl Award. He enjoys golf, is a member of the varsity baseball team, student council and National Honor Society. Jacob also assisted teaching Fourth Grade Church class, was a cabin leader for Eastwood’s Sixth Grade camp and was chosen to participate in Buckeye Boy’s State.

Runner Up: Will Kring, The Courier, Findlay, Ohio

2016 Adult winner (age 19-54)Levi Rausch, The Courier, Findlay, Ohio

To offset the cost of preschool for his children, Levi began delivering The Courier in Arlington, Ohio. Working full time at the Equestrian Center at the University of Findlay, the early hours required of a newspaper carrier helped assure the needed extra income for his family, but more importantly preserved his time to meditate and spend time with his sons.

Delivering for close to four years Levi has an impressive .22 CPT’s while delivering his 138 customers. “Even being hear impaired has not diminished his ability to go above and beyond” is how his District Manager, Earl August describes Levi. Levi makes it very clear that his success in managing his routes is due to the partnership of his wife Carrie. She helps every day in preparing the papers for delivery and manages any customer service concerns.

When not delivering his route, Levi enjoys the outdoors by hunting, running and playing coed softball. You will also find him playing baseball with his sons or swimming with his daughter. Levi is an assistant track coach at Arlington High School and volunteers at his church by providing Bible Study in sign language.

Our Senior Carrier of the Year award winner represents the Sentinel-Tribune from Bowling Green. Homer McIntyre not only represents an outstanding carrier, he represents and outstanding citizen. Homer says,” I became a carrier for the exercise and opportunity to meet a lot of nice people”. In his case the opposite is true - he became a carrier so that a lot of nice people could meet him. One of his customer states, “He is prompt and very conscientious of all weather conditions. He far exceeds some of my previous carriers.” This 83-year young senior carrier has done much to inspire all of us. Delivering for the past seven years to his nearly 40 customers speaks to his dedication. Having a zero CPT speaks to his service.

Randy Machan, Circulation Director describes Homer as follows, ‘If Homer would not be a Sentinel-Tribune carrier, he would still be an inspiration’. Homer has served our country in two wars - Korea and Vietnam. He obtained the rank of Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the US Army. He has been recognized for Meritorious Service and received the Army Commendation (Third Oak Leaf Cluster), The Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

When he has time Homer like watching sports and playing golf. He is a member of the Am-Vets, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion, Elks Lodge, and Eagle Lodge in Bowling Green. He is also a life member of the VFW and Military order of the Purple Hearts.

Runner Up: Paula Planck, Marysville Journal Tribune, Marysville, Ohio

2015 Winners

The 2015 Carrier of the Year Awards were presented at the fall circulation conference, which was held September 27 and 28, 2015 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Columbus.

About the Winners

Taking over for his older brother, Cody has been delivering The Findlay Courier for a little over a year and a half. As a 15 year old, Cody is learning to become a responsible person and "making sure things get done on my own."

Cody's personality is "other-centered," and it shows as he currently has a 0.0 cpm. Part of why Cody delivers newspapers is that it gives him time to "get to know" the customers on his route.

When Cody is not delivering The Courier, he spends his free time volunteering in his community and is a three-sport athlete at Riverdale High School.

2015 Adult Winner (age 19-54): Malysa Bell, The Blade, Toledo

For the better part of seven years, Malysa has been able to provide a service to her Toledo Blade customers before they start their day. One of the benefits of delivering that Malysa enjoys is handing a small business and being independent. Customer service is very important to Malysa. She states, "Making sure that my customers are happy is what helps maintain, as well as increase, customers on my route."

Part in what makes Malysa stand out is her involvement in the community. As the co-owner of the animal rescue program, Ford's Angel Paws Foundation, she is front and center in her community. This organization is very important to both Malysa and her fellow neighbors.

With the animal rescue, newspaper routes and seven children and three stepchildren, Malysa does not have a hard time staying busy.

"Having fun since 1981." That is the motto that Rosemary - or to her friends and family, "Tobi" - has been living by. Starting her first route in 1981, Tobi has been the cornerstone for The Toledo Blade circulation department. With 250+ customers, several things are key to her longevity. "Gas and oil for my car, a good night's sleep and lots of coffee."

Part of what Tobi loves about delivering newspapers is the flexibility of delivery and "wearing clothes you want."

Besides being a dedicated carrier, Tobi enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Tobi is currently working on a children's book.

President's Award

The President’s Award was established to recognize a member, past or present, active or retired, for outstanding contributions to the circulation profession. The award is not presented annually, only when there is a deserving recipient.

Past Winners

1983: William B. Aylward*, Akron Beacon Journal

1984: Norman C. Rathke*, Toledo Blade

1985: Robert Ruck*, The Plain Dealer

1986: Terry L. DeVassie*, Columbus Dispatch

1987: Walter T. Santel*, Cincinnati Enquirer

1988: Fred Weber*, Athens Messenger; Fred Weber II*, Athens Messenger

1989: Thomas B. Sherrill, Columbus Dispatch

1990: A. Robert Oehler*, Cincinnati Enquirer

1992: John Cain*, Findlay Courier

1993: L. Michael Zinser, Zinser & Patterson

1997: Harry J. Clarke, Harry J. Clarke, ISA

1999: Bill Bockwich*, The Plain Dealer

2000: Kurt P. Kah, Findlay Publishing Co.

2002: Herb Baur*, Columbus Dispatch

2006: Michael Gorsich*, The Times Reporter

2008: Frank Deaner, Ohio Newspaper Association

2009: Dick Fuller*, Toledo Blade

2013: Kim Wilhelm*, The Courier

2014: Valecia Quinn*, The Cincinnati Enquirer and the Chillicothe Gazette